The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a deeply rooted presence in Provo, Utah, where local congregations, historic meetinghouses, Brigham Young University, the Missionary Training Center, and two prominent temples form an important part of the city’s religious and cultural landscape. The Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple stands on Provo’s east bench near the mouth of Rock Canyon, while the Provo City Center Temple occupies the historic downtown site of the former Provo Tabernacle.
Attending church each Sunday is a respite from fast-paced daily living. Attend church at 715 South Utah Avenue to reflect, worship God, strengthen your spiritual connections, and focus on Jesus. Worship with a community of people who are trying to be more Christlike and learn from each other.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Provo
The earliest settlers in Provo were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During the first two years they were all part of the Salt Lake Stake. This changed in 1851 when the Salt Lake Stake was divided into the Weber, Salt Lake, and Provo Stakes.
In 1852 the city's residents were divided into 4 "wards" or congregations, each with its own bishop administering the affairs of the ward. The city was divided up by the main north-south street (now University Avenue) and the primary east-west street (Center Street). At this same time, a 5th ward was created which consisted of everyone north of Provo River as far as Pleasant Grove.
Early Provo wards and congregations
- Provo 1st Ward
- Provo 2nd Ward
- Provo 3rd Ward
- Provo 4th Ward
- Provo 5th Ward
- Provo Tabernacle (1st)
- Provo Tabernacle (2nd)
- Utah Stake Tabernacle
Provo First Ward Chapel
15 September 1969 by Hugh B. Brown
Sunday worship and meetings
There are two meetings in a two hour time. The main meeting is called sacrament meeting. This meeting consists of songs, prayers, and sermons (or “talks”) given by different members of the congregation and take the sacrament (or Communion).
In addition to sacrament meeting, there are a variety of other classes for both children and adults. There’s something for everyone from 18 months old and up! Each meet together for a lesson and discussion that are based on a different section of scripture each week.
Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple
The Provo Temple, belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, symbolizes something much deeper than its physical form. The Provo Temple represents the Mormon community’s devotion to creating a sacred space that connects us with God. It’s not just any ordinary building, it’s a place where you can deepen your faith and feel closer to God.
The Provo Temple was designed with modern detailing that emphasizes its religious nature. Look at the spires pointing upwards, for example. These spires have been a universal symbol of sacredness throughout history, and they do an incredible job of making the Provo Temple stand out as a holy place.
Location and surroundings
The Provo Temple is situated at 2200 Temple Hill Drive in Provo, Utah. The Provo Temple holds a special significance for those who follow the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The moment you step onto the temple grounds, you’ll be greeted with a picturesque landscape. All around you, there are flowers, lush shrubs, and trees, along with a water feature. It’s the perfect spot to find some peace and quiet and connect with spirituality.
Located on Provo's east bench near the mouth of magnificent Rock Canyon, the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple claims a stunning backdrop of towering mountains. The extensive grounds are decorated with a cascading water feature and numerous flowers, shrubs, and trees.
Across the street is the Provo Missionary Training Center (MTC) where thousands of young missionaries reside year round preparing for missionary service around the world. The campus of Church-owned Brigham Young University (BYU) borders the temple to the southwest.
But that’s not all there is to see in the area. Across the street from the temple, you’ll spot the Missionary Training Center (MTC). This is where young missionaries gather all year round to prepare for their missions. You can just feel the dedication coming from these enthusiastic youths.
To the southwest of the temple lies Brigham Young University (BYU) - an esteemed educational institution owned by the Church. The university is always bustling with activity. Here, you’ll find students and faculty members who are passionate about their spiritual beliefs and pursuit of knowledge.
What the temple represents
The location of the Provo Temple is truly one of a kind. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking to connect with their faith and marvel at the beauty of nature. You won’t regret visiting this stunning place.
One of my dreams has been to live within walking distance of the Temple. My dream came true when I bought my house in Provo, Utah. I live within a 10-minute walk to the Provo Temple.
The Provo Temple sits on a hill above BYU (Brigham Young University). You can see it driving day or night from far away. It is like a beacon on a hill.
Many of my ward members have views of the temple from their front windows. It is quite spectacular. I have been living here in Provo, this time around, for over a year now and still, every day, I love to see the temple as a background and a pillar to see as I am walking.
History of the Provo Temple
The Provo Utah Temple was the sixth temple built in Utah. It holds a special place in the hearts of the local community, especially those who are members of the LDS Church.
The Provo Temple was the sixth temple built in Utah and the first built in Utah County. It was rebuilt as the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple in the 2020s.
Back in the mid-1960s, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) noticed that a majority of temple ordinance work was being done in just three temples. To provide more opportunities for sacred ordinances, the decision was made to build the Provo Utah Temple.
The announcement of the Provo Temple and Ogden Temple was prompted by a statistic computed in the mid-1960s that 52 percent of all ordinance work was performed in three temples: the Logan Temple, the Manti Temple, and the Salt Lake Temple.
President Joseph Fielding Smith presided over the groundbreaking ceremony in 1969, with President Harold B. Lee offering the prayer he had written. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Provo Temple was held just one week after the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ogden Temple, marking the first time that two groundbreaking ceremonies were held in the same month.
The temple was dedicated in 1972, with over 7,000 attendees showing up to witness the momentous event. At the time, this was the largest temple dedication in history!
President Joseph Fielding Smith presided at the dedication of the Provo Temple, but at his request, the prayer he had written was offered by President Harold B. Lee, First Counselor in the First Presidency.
The Provo Temple was dedicated in just two sessions by seating attendees-in addition to the temple-in the Marriott Center, George Albert Smith Fieldhouse, Joseph Smith Building, Harris Fine Arts Center, and Knight-Mangum Hall (Language Training Mission) on the BYU campus. Over 70,000 attended in what was the largest temple dedication in history.
Approximately 246,000 guests toured the interior of the Provo Temple during its three-week public open house.
Architecture and Moroni statue
Since it was built in the early ‘70s; this temple is in the mid-century modern style of architecture. I used to think it was an odd looking shape, and there is a funny saying - some people call it the ‘wedding cake temple’ because of its circular design.
The temple was designed by architect Emil B. Fretzer, who was also responsible for the design of the Ogden Utah Temple, which was built at the same time. The two temples looked almost identical until the Ogden Utah Temple received a makeover in the early 2010s.
The original design of the temple included a beautiful gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni perched on top of a gold-colored spire. However, during the construction, they decided to eliminate the statue from the design.
The original design for the Provo Temple included a gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni atop a gold-colored spire. The statue was eventually eliminated from the design, though one was added over 31 years after its dedication as part of a renovation project in 2003 that also changed the spire color from gold to white.
It wasn’t until 2003, that a statue of Moroni was added during a renovation project. They even changed the spire color from gold to white. How interesting!
Reconstruction and new name
This Provo Temple is going to go through renovations and be rebuilt. It is dated.
But here’s the really exciting news - during the October 2021 General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson announced that the Provo Temple will be reconstructed! The construction will begin after the completion of the Orem Temple, which is expected to happen in fall 2023.
In his concluding remarks at the Sunday Afternoon Session of the October 2021 General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson announced that the Provo Utah Temple would be closed for demolition and reconstruction following the dedication of the Orem Utah Temple.
The closure date was later announced as Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the conclusion of ordinance work. Members of the temple district are encouraged to attend other temples during the closure as their circumstances permit. Those desiring to receive their own ordinances should contact a temple in the surrounding area to schedule an appointment.
The new temple will be named the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple.
The Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple, which replaced the Provo Temple, was designed with no angel Moroni. The Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple is a reconstruction of the Provo Temple, which was dedicated in 1972 and renamed the Provo Utah Temple in 1999.
The Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple was the third reconstructed temple to be relocated from its original footprint, following the Apia Samoa Temple (1983) and the Anchorage Alaska Temple (under construction). It was reconstructed west of the original foundation where the slope of the property was slightly flatter.
Two temples in Provo
There are 2 temples in Provo, Utah.
The Provo Utah Temple (1972) and Provo City Center Temple (2016) were the second pair of temples to be built in the same city, following the Jordan River Utah Temple (1981) and Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple (2009) in South Jordan, Utah.
The Provo Temple and the Provo City Center Temple are the second pair of temples built in the same city in Utah. Before them, it was the Jordan River Utah Temple and the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple in South Jordan, Utah.
This trend of building temples in the same cities is all about making it easier and more convenient for Church members to attend.
Provo City Center Temple
The other temple in Provo is called the Provo City Temple, and it is in downtown Provo. The Provo City Temple is my favorite temple. It is so gorgeous.
The key difference between the Provo City Temple and most other LDS Temples is; it is not all white.
The Provo City Temple was formerly the Provo Tabernacle. The Provo Tabernacle was built between 1883 and 1898 and served as a place for community events and cultural happenings in Provo. It has played an integral part in shaping Provo’s vibrant community spirit.
The Provo Tabernacle was destroyed in a fire in 2010. After the fire, the Church discussed what should become of the remains of this historic building. President Monson was the leader of the church at the time of the fire, and he said: The historic character was incorporated into the new Temple.
It is right in the center of downtown Provo, Utah. There is a beautiful park in front of the temple with family statues. You can see families taking their children for visits and having picnics in the park with the Temple as their backdrop.
The grounds are kept immaculately. On the other side of the Temple is the wedding reception area. It is so pretty. I like to watch the brides and their families meeting around there.
Temple hours and reservations
The Provo Utah Temple is open on:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. |
| Tuesday - Friday | 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. |
| Saturday | 6 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
If you are visiting Provo, Utah or just getting settled here, you no longer need to make an appointment, but it is highly recommended that you make a reservation and for which ordinances you want to be involved in when you go.
It’s highly encouraged for you to make a reservation ahead of time. You’re still welcome if you drop in without an appointment. However, wait times may be longer, so patience is key!
Reservations available, walk-ins welcome. All are welcome to the house of the Lord. Patrons who would like to come without a scheduled reservation may be asked to wait or participate in another ordinance.
Click the Reservations button to schedule or modify a reservation. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own temple clothing.
Simply visit to schedule your appointment. From there, you’ll need to create an account if you haven’t already and log in. Once you’re in, you’ll see a list of available dates and time slots. Choose one that works best for you and you’re all set.
Sometimes, finding the perfect appointment slot can be a little tricky, especially during busy times. My tip for you is to keep checking back frequently because appointment slots may be open up due to cancellations or rescheduling.
Make sure to be considerate and cancel the appointment if you can’t make it. This allows others to grab that slot and helps the rescheduling process run smoothly.
Ordinance sequence and visit planning
Ordinances for family names should be done in proper sequence-baptism, confirmation, Melchizedek Priesthood ordination (males), initiatory, endowment, and then sealing.
Please allow sufficient time to perform all the ordinances you wish to complete during your visit. For additional help and information, please call the temple. Please contact the temple for more information or if you have special circumstances or needs.
Remember to be patient and respectful during your visit. The Provo Temple is a sacred and spiritual place, and it’s important to treat it with reverence. You’ll enjoy your time there so much more if you follow this advice.
Temple closures
You’ll want to be aware of upcoming closures if you’re planning a visit to the Provo Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
2026
- Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Saturday, October 31, 2026 (Limited Operations)
- Wednesday, November 25, 2026 - Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Monday, November 30, 2026 - Monday, December 14, 2026
- Thursday, December 24, 2026 - Friday, December 25, 2026
- Thursday, December 31, 2026 - Friday, January 1, 2027
2027
- Monday, May 31, 2027 - Monday, July 5, 2027
- Monday, November 29, 2027 - Monday, December 13, 2027
Temple milestones
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Announced | October 1, 2011 |
| Groundbreaking | May 12, 2012 |
| Dedicated - dedicatory prayer | March 20, 2016 |
Church locations in Provo
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has congregations throughout Provo. The following locations are listed under The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Provo and share the telephone number (385) 230-7471.
| Address | ZIP code |
|---|---|
| 352 North 900 East Provo | UT 84606-5233 |
| 835 South 500 West Provo | UT 84601 |
| 1498 East 800 South Provo | UT 84606 |
| 4220 Foothill Dr Provo | UT 84604 |
| 650 East Stadium Avenue Provo | UT 84604 |
| 2400 North 1060 East Provo | UT 84604 |
| 888 South Freedom Boulevard Provo | UT 84601 |
| 1456 East 300 North Provo | UT 84606 |
| 502 East 200 North Provo | UT 84606 |
| 1289 East 300 South Provo | UT 84606 |
| 1600 North 1880 West Provo | UT 84604 |
| 2445 North 650 East Provo | UT 84604 |
| 1555 N 1350 W St Provo | UT 84604 |
| 195 South 100 East Provo | UT 84606 |
| 85 South 900 East Provo | UT 84606 |
| 1315 East 900 South Provo | UT 84606 |
| 1122 Grand Avenue Provo | UT 84604 |
| 3511 North 180 East Provo | UT 84604 |
| 610 West 300 South Provo | UT 84601 |
| 940 West 100 North Provo | UT 84601 |
| 345 E 4525 N St Provo | UT 84604 |
| 1915 North Canyon Road Provo | UT 84604 |
| 1038 North 1200 East Provo | UT 84604 |
| 2225 West 620 North Provo | UT 84601 |
| 900 W 2150 N Provo | UT 84604 |
| 1745 South State Street Provo | UT 84606 |
| 450 North 1220 West Provo | UT 84601 |
| 4300 North Canyon Road Provo | UT 84604 |
| 780 North 700 West Provo | UT 84601 |
| 965 North Locust Lane Provo | UT 84604 |
| 3050 Mojave Lane Provo | UT 84604 |
| 2876 West 1390 North Provo | UT 84601 |
| 376 North 700 West Provo | UT 84601 |
| 1625 South Slate Canyon Drive Provo | UT 84606 |
| 1600 North 900 East Provo | UT 84604 |
| 1081 West 1060 North Provo | UT 84604 |
| 715 South Utah Avenue Provo | UT 84606 |
| 350 East 2950 North Provo | UT 84604 |
| 2900 North 650 East Provo | UT 84604 |
| 945 East 700 North Provo | UT 84606 |
| 102 North 2400 West Provo | UT 84601 |
| 1021 South 500 West Provo | UT 84601 |
| 1560 South 1100 West Provo | UT 84601 |
| 1402 South 570 West Provo | UT 84601 |
| 2530 West 200 South Provo | UT 84601 |
| 555 East 3230 North Provo | UT 84604 |
| 3111 West 1390 North Provo | UT 84601 |
| 1260 West 1150 North Provo | UT 84604 |
| 4056 Timpview Dr Provo | UT 84604 |
| 1960 North 1500 East Provo | UT 84604 |
| 925 East North Temple Drive Provo | UT 84604 |
| 2801 West 620 North Provo | UT 84601 |
| 4775 North 300 West Provo | UT 84604-5504 |
| 1066 West 200 North Provo | UT 84601 |
| 303 W 3700 N Provo | UT 84604 |
| 1090 W 1020 S Provo | UT 84601 |
| 395 East 600 North Provo | UT 84606 |
| 424 W 1200 S Provo | UT 84601 |
| 1120 N 850 W St Provo | UT 84604 |
| 101 West 800 North Provo | UT 84601 |
| 667 N 600 E Provo | UT 84606-1960 |
| 131 South 1600 West Provo | UT 84601 |
| 4501 North Univ Avenue Provo | UT 84604-5504 |
All of these listed locations use the telephone number (385) 230-7471.
Orem Utah Temple Completed
Temple visitors and local community
I like to take photos of the temple. Some of the sisters in my ward go every week and there are times I am able to join them. In one of our visits, the summer flowers were in bloom. Here are some of the photos I took.
All of the photos I post are my own original photos. I love taking photos of Temples.
In the late 1970s, a feasibility study was prepared by the Provo Temple presidency for the establishment of a Provo Temple Visitors' Center. The study included statistical compilations of responses to a survey sent to stake presidents within the temple district. However, no visitors' center was ever established.
Maybe I will see you at one of the Provo Temples!